ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: Kathy M on October 12, 2010, 07:30:33 pm

Title: Anyone heard of hyberbaric oxygen therapy?
Post by: Kathy M on October 12, 2010, 07:30:33 pm

HI All!

Can't believe I'd still be messing with this head incision after all this time, but turns out, all progress toward healing has come to a screeching halt.  It had almost healed following the IV antibiotics run, then chemo slowed it up.  I've had a few soft tissue infections but they quickly went away so no big deal.  BUT.....still the wound stays oozey, sometimes bloody, and icky.

SO....my breast cancer surgeon referred to a very respected wound care specialist who recommends this type of treatment.  Since the skin has been so damaged by the surgeries and trauma, the intent of this is to oxygenate the blood cells to give them the boost they need to start working up there....then once they are get started, he's suggesting to put on some type of second skin that will adhere over the area and be part of the healing........  I was told that some oncology professionals believe (and my radiation oncologist has actually suspected this happened to one of her patients) that hyperbaric oxygen therapy causes metastatic disease when used for some cancer patients. 

hmmmmmm....I sent an e-mail to my AN surgeon who said "absolutely not", so next week, I go to see him!  Ah...I would love to enjoy some time where I won't have to look in the mirror at the back of my head to see what's percolating.  I really shouldn't complain or whine  - I'm here, feel great, and am a very lucky gal all in all.  But there are moments!!!

Any thoughts out there on this one? 

Kathy

Title: Re: Anyone heard of hyberbaric oxygen therapy?
Post by: CHD63 on October 12, 2010, 08:33:28 pm

Kathy .....

I do not have any personal knowledge about hyperbaric oxygen therapy.  A quick perusal of the literature about it online suggests that you might want to have several opinions about it before embarking on it.  IMO your AN surgeon may have the best information as to its safety in regards to brains and ears.

Oh how I wish you would be a safe candidate for this and have success ...... but I would approach it cautiously and with several positive opinions from medical professionals before agreeing to it.

Best thoughts and many prayers for healing.

Clarice

Title: Re: Anyone heard of hyberbaric oxygen therapy?
Post by: questions?586 on October 13, 2010, 08:27:48 pm

Hi Kathy:

I don't know any specifics on your condition and treatment but I remember taking a patient for hyperbaric treatments 30 years ago.  I was an RN in a hospital in Florida and we took the patient to chamber used for divers with the bends.  So this is not a completely new treatment.  I hope you find something that works for you!

Starr